Regional recreation could become a reality soon among a few municipalities in southwestern Butler County.

A new agreement between Jackson Township and Zelienople formalizes a joint effort by the two municipalities to improve upon and develop recreation in the area.

Township supervisors and borough council members recently signed the intergovernmental agreement, the first step in developing regionally based parks and recreation planning, facilities and activities.

“This is a great cooperative situation between Jackson (Township) and Zelienople, and a good opportunity to begin a great partnership to provide services like this,” said Don Pepe, Zelienople manager.

The agreement details the gift transfer of the nearly 24-acre former Zelienople reservoir property to Jackson Township to develop soccer fields, a loop trail, picnic and play areas, and parking.

The reservoir basin closest to the Connoquenessing Creek is planned to be developed as a fishing pond enhanced with plantings, but remaining in an open natural state.

Native tree plantings are planned as a riparian buffer along Scholar’s Run. The property, commercially zoned and laying outside of the 100-year floodplain, will be reserved for public use that is readily accessible to residents of Jackson Township, Zelienople and Harmony.

A portion of borough property adjoining Route 19 and the Connoquenessing Creek also will be gifted to the Wild Waterways Conservancy to be used as trails and natural settings along the creek area.

“We’re beginning to be able to look at recreation regionally rather than just individually per municipality,” Pepe said. “After all, people use each other’s facilities. No one just says, ‘Well I can’t go into this borough or visit this township because it’s not where I live.’ And it shouldn’t happen that way.”

Talks between the borough and township for regional recreation have been going on for about a year. The reservoir has not been in use by Zelienople for several years, since the borough began using water lines connecting to Beaver County.

“We’re seeking the plan cooperatively to create a sustainable parks and recreation program for both municipalities so as the township grows, we don’t create duplicate or unnecessary services by looking at it on a regional level,” township manager Chris Rearick said.

The township, with borough support, has also applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the funding of a first phase, which includes the base of an access drive and parking lot, soccer fields, plantings, picnic area and walking trail. The trail will be planned to connect into adjoining trail networks, including the Harmony Trail, if additional rights of way or easements are acquired.

“The township has committed to basic improvement of the site as recreational fields, regardless of the success of the grant application,” the release states. “While the cooperative agreement requires the township to develop the fields within five years of receiving the title, the township aims to complete their construction within the next two to three years.”

The agreement also formalizes Jackson Township’s recent contributions to the Zelienople Park Association for the operation of the Zelienople Community Park. In return, township residents will receive resident-level membership pricing for the pool and pavilion rentals.

The township has committed to an annual contribution of $38,750 for four years to the park, totaling $155,000, and is focusing on the long-term planning of complementary regional facilities within the township.

“The borough and township view the agreement as a first step in a long term cooperative effort to provide recreational facilities to residents in a cost effective and sustainable manner,” the release states. “Updates on the planning process and meetings will be posted on the municipal and park websites as well as Facebook pages.”

Harmony will also be included in the agreement upon consultation, the release states.

Borough council President Greg Such said Harmony would be interested in joining the two municipalities in the agreement.

“We’ve been supporting them (Jackson Township) in their efforts by providing grant support letters and arranging other meetings with landowners,” he said.

While Harmony’s parks are “well-developed,” Such said the borough would support the township and Zelienople’s trail-building efforts.

“We’re looking forward to be part of the trail system,” he said. “The Harmony Parks Board actually has had discussions on that recently.”